The Pig developed a bit of reactivity to strangers quite soon after we got her at 9 months old. I have worked a lot on LAT etc and she is generally fine now in normal situations (people walking past on the pavement, seeing people in the fields). She still barks and lunges if a large group of people walk towards her, or make sudden loud noises, shouts or laughter (particularly kids running/screaming, understandably). Its a work in progress. But anyway, the new thing she has started is barking at people when parked outside a shop for a few minutes. I try not to do this at all, but there are times in the village where I have her with me and I need to pop in for some milk or something. She used to be fine, but OH has done it a few times and mentioned she has barked at people who walk past her, and I did it today and she barked and lunged at everyone she saw she wasn't even in a position where people had to come close, as I had tucked her away to the side of the shop. So after I had rushed out, I spent a little bit of time with her doing LAT with everyone who came past and entered the shop, and she was absolutely fine, happily anticipating her treats every time someone came and wagging her tail at an old man who wanted to know what we were doing. It is when I am not there that the problems start. And once she barks at one person, she seems to get stuck in barking mode and barks then at everything. So given this, how should I start to work through this problem? I can't do LAT when I am not there, but its only when I am not there that she shouts at everyone any tips would be great!
Well, to be honest, I'd just avoid leaving her. It sounds like she's anxious about being tied up without you there - she has no option of flight and so she's going for fight. If people move away from her, she's being reinforced by her actions so it's only going to continue. The other thing you could try is a remote treat dispenser but, as I said, my first choice would be not to do it. Take her home and then pop out again for the milk
hmm yeah that was one of my thoughts. But, equally (aside from it just being convenient for me to get milk!) I don't like the idea of leaving her for the rest of her life with some nervousness about people that I could help her with...I guess I can see two sides of the argument, one, that we should just avoid exposing our dogs to things they don't like, but two, actually we should aim to get them as confident and relaxed in as many situations as possible, if we can do it gradually and positively...but perhaps for this specific situation, there is no clear way of doing that given that I can't be near her! Urgh this Pig is not an easy dog. Its a good thing I love her more than anything.
@Lara Bit of a long shot but does she definitely have to stay outside? Could you explain to the shop owner that you are in training with her and ask if she could pop inside with you as it will only be two minutes? Some local independent shops are ok with this.
I regularly ask if I can pop in small shops with Mabel and I’ve only ever been told no twice, maybe I live in a super dog friendly area. Give it a go and see.
Where We live in Canada more and more shops are welcoming pets by posting signs saying not to leave your animal in your hot summer car or freezing winter car. Seems to be catching on in my area. Doesn’t help you but just interesting how the attitudes are changing.
Oh good idea, I could try that! And perhaps if she is allowed in, she might understand where I go and it might get less scary to be left outside in the future...
